Percy to drive the Northern Powerhouse

Yorkshire MP Andrew Percy has been chosen by Theresa May to breathe new life into the Northern Powerhouse.

The appointment comes just a week after BQ announced the launch of the inaugural PD Ports Northern Powerhouse Export Awards and International Trade Campaign 201617.

The campaign has been launched in a bid to celebrate excellence in international trade across the north of England, something which will be key to Percy’s new role.

The MP for Brigg & Goole and the Isle of Axholme takes over from Teessider James Wharton, who is now the new Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for International Development.

He took to his Facebook page last night to tell of his reaction to the Downing Street phone call, saying: “I hope having served 10 years as a local councillor before becoming an MP, I also have something to contribute on the local government front. I've always championed our area as a backbencher and now I get to champion the north within government.

“I celebrated my appointment with a McDonalds! No fancy lunch for me and then had one of my civil servants come over and drop a load of papers with me. I was impressed at how it all swung into action.

“I am genuinely keen to give this role my best shot.”

BQ managing director Bryan Hoare said: “It’s fantastic to see new life being breathed once again into the Northern Powerhouse, especially following our PD Ports Northern Powerhouse International Trade Campaign launch last week.

“We hope that Andrew Percy’s appointment will give another boost to businesses across the North and that more from across the region are encouraged to grow their businesses by considering international trade”

For more information about the PD Ports Northern Powerhouse Awards, click here.